CAT Assistance Team (CAT), a volunteer-based cat rescue group, will be hosting Zumba sessions for a cause to be led by one of Qatar's sought after certified Zumba instructor Jamil Sidani at the Ritz Carlton Doha on March 28.

The event is aimed at raising funds and awareness on their volunteer works which includes rescuing and caring for community cats. CAT is made up of a group of former Cats in Qatar volunteers with more than 30 years of cat care experience.

"We need to step up this initiative aiming at making a difference in the cat community. Therefore, we are asking people to support the upcoming fundraiser event. CAT is a charitable organisation, caring for abandoned, orphaned, injured and stray felines in Qatar. It is run entirely by volunteers, and all proceeds from any of its services go directly towards homeless cats' rescue, care & TNR (trap, neuter and return) programme," Gill Shurey of CAT told Qatar Tribune on Tuesday.

Aside from Zumbathon, the two-hour event (from 11am to 1pm) will also feature Spinning (Cycling) sessions to be led by Sarah Inkpen. Tickets for adults and youngsters (aged 10 years to 16 years) are available for QR60 and QR 20 respectively, which includes water and refreshments.

A Kids Corner purposely set up to entertain children while their parents are taking part in the activities of the day will be sponsored by Busy Bees Nursery. Cat merchandises will also be available at the venue.

According to another CAT member Sherry Sturino they have done some fundraising initiatives in the past but this is the first time they are hosting a fitness format and a major programme.

Zumba is a popular workout system among Doha residents across nationalities and ages. She said they are planning to organise other form of fundraisers in the future to further support their cause.

CAT is run entirely by volunteers who donate their time and resources to help out the cat community in Qatar. The group offers cat sitting programme, another of their initiatives to raise funds, wherein the volunteers can come to cat owners' homes on a long or short term basis and care for their pets.

For tickets and other information, email CAT via catservicedoha@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/CATofQatar.